Artificial sweeteners and carbohydrate-based diets also pose many of the same problems as sugar. In the case of chemical sweeteners, these issues can be worse. Carbohydrates are converted to sugar. Therefore, an excess of carbs, particularly refined carbs, will cause similar sugar-like problems.

Chemical sweeteners affect physiology, and there are concerns these biochemical changes harm the brain.

There is no simple answer. However, we do know that a lack of vital nutrients can diminish levels of focus and self-control. These deficiencies commonly result from an overconsumption of sugar.